Some companies will charge hundreds of dollars for credit processing equipment. Setting up a new business to accept credit and debit cards can be a major expense. However, the top merchant account service providers are now competing for your business by offering free credit card machines upon signing a service agreement.
Ecommerce merchants can receive full featured point-of-sale terminals to swipe and authorize credit transactions. Many of the machines provided are of the highest quality and covered at the expense of the merchant account provider. The best merchant account providers like to entice new customers with this initial upfront savings. Typically, the transaction fees and discount fees they charge will more than make up for their initial loss.
When shopping for a merchant account provider, ask them about receiving a free credit card machine. Many of them are willing to negotiate their costs in order to acquire your long term loyalty. However, be aware that some merchant account providers will make up for the initial cost of the equipment with hidden fees. Some may charge a steep application or set up fee for their services, while others may charge higher monthly fees for services such as batch processing and issuing statements. Reading over the fine print before signing any agreement with a merchant account provider can prevent you from paying more than what is necessary.